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Job 8 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
As the New International Commentary states, “Bildad is a champion of ‘old-time’ religion.” God’s ways are right. The wicked are punished. Justice will prevail quickly. Affirming thoughts that were already shared, he states that the wicked are always punished and the righteous are always blessed. Today we call this “retribution theology.” It basically means, “You get what you deserve.”
While this certainly has some truth to it, we know it’s incomplete. In fact, this is not the story we read in the Bible. We read of people (and nations) living in continual rebellion against God until He steps in with grace to make a way. We are Gomer, the permiscuous woman chained to a life of harlotry. God sent Jesus (our Hosea) to be our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. Bildad’s theology fails because it is not the same story that God weaves throughout history.
This is the most frustrating aspect of Bildad’s approach. He refuses to look beyond his theology to the real needs of Job. It’s like putting a round peg into a square hole. His dogmatic approach to the situation only causes Job more suffering. Even if he does not plan on changing his mind about the problem, he’s still not bringing much to the table that meets Job’s needs as a friend and companion.
There are people like this today who pound away with their close-minded theology, even when a friend is caught in a maelstrom of emotions. Blow by blow, they stand on their high horse of truth adding insult to injury. The book of Job reveals much more than a redemptive story of a man who is pushed beyond his limits in every possible way. It also instructs us in how not to respond to those who are hurting in life.
But it is not all negative.
The one positive takeaway from Bildad’s speech is the small piece of hope that he offers Job. If Job truly is faultless, he will be justified in the end. I don’t think Bildad has made up his mind about whether Job is guilty or innocent, but he knows that time will tell. The most disappointing part of the entire scene is that Job needs a friend right now! He doesn’t need educated on theology.
Even if Bildad is 100% correct in everything he is communicating, he fails to show grace to Job (his so-called friend) during his darkest hour. Jesus always communicated to those in need with grace and truth. We will do nothing but turn people away if we fail to care for others the way Jesus has cared for us.